Battle against ‘growing problem of tick bites on dogs’

Vets across the country are taking part in the Big Tick Project, a nationwide collection of ticks from dogs in a bid to help scientists track what is feared to be a growing threat to people and their dogs from tick-borne diseases.

Tick bites can transmit serious infections, such as Lyme disease, a serious and debilitating illness that can cause long term health problems in dogs and people.

In the UK, the number of new Lyme Disease cases each year is estimated at around 3000 while Lyme Disease charities say the figure could even be as high as 15,000 annually. However, the majority of people are unaware that this potentially debilitating condition also affects our pet dogs.

The University of Bristol’s Big Tick Project is being supported by TV presenter, naturalist and dog lover Chris Packham, and aims to raise awareness of the risks and symptoms associated with tick-borne disease, and to educate owners how they can reduce their dog’s exposure to ticks and the diseases they carry.

Any ticks found on dogs will be collected and sent to Bristol University laboratories to help advance the knowledge of tick-borne disease, benefiting both veterinary and human medicine.

Chris Packham feels the challenge of keeping dogs and people tick-free has never been greater.

He said: “Research highlighted by the Big Tick Project experts at Bristol University suggests that ticks are a growing problem, especially in areas such as urban parkland, woodland or open country.

“While I find both ticks and fleas interesting creatures, I don’t want them on my dogs, in my house, or on me.

“I want the best advice and treatment available and I know I can get this by talking to my vet.”

Ticks are hard to spot when small but can transmit infections as they feed off the blood of their host. Dog owners often see ticks when they have increased in size as a result of their blood meal but by then the damage may have been done.

Tick facts:

l A single female tick can lay several thousand eggs at a time.

l It can take up to 3 years for the adult tick to develop.

l Tick saliva contains an anaesthetic, so your dog will not feel the bite and neither will you!

l Check your pet’s skin starting from its head then work your way down its forelegs and the rest of its body, searching for any lumps on the skin surface.

l The place where the tick attaches may or may not be painful and there may be skin swelling.

If you find a tick on your dog’s skin:

l The ideal device for tick removal is a specially designed hook with a narrow slot which needs to be slid with care under the tick at skin level so as to grip the head of the tick.

l Secure the hook in place around the head of the tick, ensuring that it is not entangled in hair. The hook is then rotated around its axis several times until the attachment is freed. The loose tick will then be easily detached and removed without putting either the tick or skin under tension.

l Discuss the risks posed from ticks and other common pet parasites with your practice and follow their recommended approach to ensure optimal control for your particular circumstances.

l Follow your vet’s treatment recommendations fully and at the correct intervals for the product in question.

New advances and treatment innovation means that there are a number of ways that vets can control ticks, including the use of spot-ons (typically applied every four weeks), sprays, collars and oral chewable formulations which can last up to 12 weeks.

That means there should be an easy and practical solution for every owner who wants to help protect their dog against ticks.

Dog owners wanting to take part in the Big Tick Project with a tick check for their dog(s) or to find out more about the risks from tick bites can visit www.bigtickproject.co.uk or contact their local vets.